Last Name Keirstead

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Keirstead

The meaning and origin of the last name Keirstead

Keirstead is an English and Scottish surname that is of topographical origin, derived from the Old English words "cyrs" meaning "church" and "stede" meaning "place". This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived near or worked at a church or religious building. The surname may have been originally used as a locational name to describe someone who came from a place named Keirstead. Variants of the surname include Kerstead and Kierstead. The Keirstead surname is relatively rare and is found mostly in the United Kingdom and North America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keirstead

The last name Keirstead is primarily found in Canada and the United States, with the highest concentration in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in the northeastern states, such as Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. It is believed that the name originated in Scotland before spreading to the New World through immigration. Today, individuals with the surname Keirstead can also be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Australia and England. While not a widely distributed last name, those who carry it can often trace their ancestry back to the early Scottish settlers who first brought the name to North America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keirstead

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Famous people with the last name Keirstead

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Genealogical research on the last name Keirstead

The surname Keirstead is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Ceolfrith," meaning "ship-counsellor." The name has undergone various changes in spelling over the centuries, including Kerstede, Kierstead, Kerstead, and Keirs, before settling on Keirstead. The Keirstead family can be traced back to the early 14th century in England, particularly in the regions of Kent and Yorkshire. The family eventually migrated to the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, settling in New England and Nova Scotia. Today, individuals with the surname Keirstead can still be found primarily in the United States and Canada, with some members of the family also residing in the United Kingdom and Australia. The Keirstead family has a rich history and lineage that continues to be researched and celebrated by descendants.

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